Katherine Dhurandhar

Katherine Dhurandhar is a Community Publisher for Mommy Poppins, representing the Westchester and Hudson Valley region of New York, and a freelance copyeditor for Westchester Publishing Company. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with her husband and son.

Latest posts by Katherine

Best Summer Day Camps in Westchester for Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 02/09/2025 - 8:52am

Enjoy water sports at Westchester Summer Day in Mamaroneck. Photo courtesy of the camp

Looking for a day camp in Westchester to keep your kids occupied this summer? Summer camps from White Plains to Armonk–and all points in between–offer fun and enriching activities for kids of all ages, from plunging into the pool on a hot day to learning new, valuable tech skills.

Whether you’re looking for summer art camps for your preschoolers, STEM day camps for your kids, travel or adventure camps for your teens, or a traditional multi-activity camp experience, we’ve found the best day camps throughout Westchester County.

I know that I still cherish my own summer day camp experiences from Camp Mohawk, which is featured in our list below and is still going strong. Like Camp Mowhawk, many of these day camps have been around for decades and are ready to welcome the next generation of campers.

For more summer camps in Westchester, be sure to bookmark our Camps Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids and Camp Directory. You can search the Directory by the type of camp you are looking for, your child's age, and the area you live in.

Valentine's Day and More Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley February 2025

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 01/31/2025 - 9:55am

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the Hudson River Museum this month. Photo courtesy of the museum

Whether sending valentines or planning a Presidents Day weekend getaway, there is plenty to love about February in Westchester and the Hudson Valley!

No need to get cabin fever this February as Westchester and the Hudson Valley are filled with fun, family-friendly things to do. February marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, with celebrations including the Lunar New Year Festival at the Hudson River Museum featuring the ceremonial lion dance, art projects for kids, and a special planetarium show highlighting traditional Chinese constellations.

Other standout events this February include the return of Cirque Zuma Zuma to the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Mutts Gone Nuts at the Tarrytown Music Hall, and a Valentine's Day Party with Wolves at the Wolf Conservation Center.

Best Sledding Hills in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Mon, 01/06/2025 - 10:36am

Catch some air on one of the many sledding hills in the Hudson Valley. Photo by Jeremy McKnight on Unsplash.

The Hudson Valley's sledding hills take on an aura of magic when the first blanket of snow covers the ground. What better way to enjoy it than by getting the kids out of the house for some fresh air and family fun at one of the many sledding hills in the Hudson Valley?

We have pulled together this list of the best sledding hills in the Hudson Valley, plus some tips on how to stay warm and dry and, of course, where to go for hot chocolate afterward.

If you're looking for more seasonal fun, we've got the skinny on winter hikes in the Hudson Valley, and outdoor ice skating region-wide.

Westchester and the Hudson Valley's Top Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year's

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 12/13/2024 - 5:39am

Cross County Center’s popular pop-up ice skating rink is located right in the heart of the center. Photo courtesy of Cross County Center

Stave off holiday break boredom with these fun picks for local kids.

25 Things To Do in the Finger Lakes with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Thu, 10/24/2024 - 4:26pm

Letchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East thanks to its impressive gorge.

If you are looking for your next family vacation destination, New York's Finger Lakes region is a great option. Mostly known for its namesake beautiful lakes, the Finger Lakes offer a variety of summer activities, including sailing, fishing, and swimming in the crystal clear waters. However, there are tons of family-friendly things to do and places to explore year-round in the Finger Lakes, from zip lining and leaf peeping in the fall to skiing and snow tubing in the winter.

The area around Ithaca is particularly famous for its many glacier-formed gorges that boast numerous waterfalls. Ithaca is also the home of Cornell University and Ithaca College, and offers many art and cultural attractions and museums, including the kid-friendly Sciencenter.

Read on for all our top picks for things to do in the Finger Lakes with kids and bookmark our Day Trips and Getaways Guide for more family-friendly vacation ideas.

Best Trunk or Treats in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 10/13/2024 - 6:48am

Trunk or treats are the newest Halloween craze for families, and Westchester and the Hudson Valley have plenty of opportunities for your family to check one out.

Trunk or treats provide a safer alternative to knocking on random doors, as kids can go around a specified area and collect treats from decorated car trunks. As a bonus, many trunk-or-treat events offer additional activities, like parades, bounce houses, and even movies.

We've rounded up the best trunk or treats in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, most of which are absolutely free.

You can find more festive happenings for all age groups in our Westchester Halloween Guide.

32 Not-So-Scary Halloween Events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Toddlers

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:53am

Score treats from participating stores at Ridge Hill Mall's trick-or-treating event. Photo courtesy of Ridge Hill

Looking for the best Halloween events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for toddlers and preschoolers? Read on for our top picks.

Halloween can be the most fun holiday of the year, but the costumes and effects that make it thrilling for teens and adults can sometimes be too scary for the little ones. Thankfully, Westchester and the Hudson Valley are full of toddler- and preschooler-friendly Halloween events that go easy on the scary while still managing to be full-on fun.

So get your little ones dressed up in their favorite costumes and get ready for some not-so-spooky fun. Standout toddler-friendly Halloween events include the Village of Mamaroneck's Spooktacular Sunday, Children's Day at Headless Horseman Hayrides, and A Very Fluffy Halloween at Lilymoore Farm.

You can find more festive happenings for all age groups in our Westchester Halloween Guide.

Best Family-Friendly Hikes to See Fall Leaves in the Adirondacks

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 10/04/2024 - 12:02pm

The view from the summit of Rooster Comb is magical when the leaves are changing colors. Photo by the author

One of my favorite places to see fall leaves on hikes with my family is in the Adirondacks region of New York. The Adirondacks region has one of the longest-lasting fall foliage seasons in the country, with peak foliage times from late September in the High Peaks region to mid-to-late October in the Lake George area.

I have been on numerous hikes with my family in the Adirondacks, and these are my favorite family-friendly hikes and viewing spots to appreciate this spectacular seasonal change. So, if you're planning a leaf-peeping trip this fall, add these hikes to your list.

Find more great things to do this autumn with your fam in our Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids Fall Guide.

Katherine Dhurandhar

Latest posts by Katherine

Pages